Returns & Refunds Policy

Last updated: 29 July 2026

At The Sourdough Cult, we take great care in preparing and packaging every order. As many of our products contain live sourdough starter or other perishable ingredients, we are unable to accept returns unless an item is faulty, damaged, or not as described.

Perishable Products

Our live sourdough starter is a fresh, living product. Once dispatched, it cannot be resold or reused, and for hygiene and food safety reasons we cannot accept returns.

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, the right to cancel does not apply to goods that are liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly.

Faulty, Damaged or Incorrect Items

If your order arrives:

• Damaged in transit

• Faulty

• Incorrect

• Not as described

please contact us within 48 hours of delivery by emailing hello@thesourdoughcult.co.uk.

Please include:

• Your order number

• A description of the issue

• Clear photographs of the product and packaging

We'll review your claim as quickly as possible and, where appropriate, offer one of the following:

• A replacement

• A full refund

• A partial refund where appropriate

Live Starter Performance

Our sourdough starter is carefully checked before dispatch and should arrive healthy and active.

As it is a living culture, its behaviour can be affected by factors outside our control, including:

• Shipping delays

• Storage after delivery

• Feeding schedule

• Flour used

• Water quality

• Ambient temperature

For this reason, we cannot offer refunds simply because a starter appears sluggish or inactive on arrival. Our starters often need one or two feeds to recover after travelling.

If you're having any issues, please get in touch. We'll happily help you troubleshoot and get your starter thriving before considering any further action.

Change of Mind

We do not accept returns or offer refunds for:

• Change of mind

• Accidental orders

• Failure to read the product description

• Products that have been opened or used

This does not affect your statutory rights.

Non-Perishable Items

If your order contains non-perishable accessories that are not used and remain in their original condition, please contact us within 14 days of delivery before returning them.

The customer is responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or supplied in error.

Refunds

Where a refund is approved, it will be processed to your original payment method within 5 to 10 working days.

Your bank or payment provider may take additional time to make the funds available.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about your order, we're always happy to help.

Email: hello@thesourdoughcult.co.uk